Poldark: A fan’s review by Celia Fox
As the nights are drawing in, so is the end of another series of POLDARK. It is hard to believe that already we have reached our sixth episode of the second series. After last week‘s tragic ending (we are still needing a lot of tissues to get over the death of Francis!) we couldn’t wait to see the aftermath of his accident. After five fantastic episodes, Celia Fox (one of our lucky readers chosen to write a fan review of the series alongside Sarah Vita-Younan) is back again to share her thoughts on Sunday night’s episode. Take a look at Celia’s thoughts on episode six below:
* Warning: spoilers. Do not read if you have not seen Poldark series 2 episode 6 *
Life goes on… Plotting, planning and silk stockings!
The tears are barely dried and we are flung into this week’s episode with emotions still ragged and torn to shreds as we see Verity, Ruby Bentall in tears, Elizabeth, Heida Reed the grieving widow doing her best to carry on running Trenwith and estate without her husband and Ross, Aidan Turner expressing the futility of Francis’s death and his leaving Elizabeth nothing but shares in a failing Mine! Meanwhile, Demelza, Eleanor Tomlinson is fearful for her future with Ross and his relationship with Elizabeth, worrying about the smuggling and the possibility of losing him to debtor’s prison. Poor lass, when is this girl going to get a break? Once again things don’t look promising for the Poldarks!
Ross visits Richard Tonkin, Rory Wilton in prison presumably held there until his debts from the failure of the Carnmore Copper Company are paid. It was nice to see him and at least we know where he has been for the past episodes, but I’m left wondering why he has popped into the life of the Poldarks again and where his story will lead! I don’t believe it was just to show us what might happen to Ross when the Warleggans call in Ross’s debt which of course we soon find out will be Christmas. They really choose their moment don’t they for maximum dastardliness? If George, Jack Farthing had a moustache I’m sure he be twirling it and laughing maniacally! Mwah-ha-ha!
Ross tries to take care of Elizabeth which is commendable, but is spending more time with her and her son than with his own wife and child which is not! Demelza does not ask him about his visits for as she explains to Verity if you cannot have faith and trust in your husband then you have nothing. (Why do I feel this is going to end in tears?) It is uncomfortable this episode to observe how preoccupied Ross is with his own and Elizabeth’s problems and how little time he has for his own family.
My one criticism and I do understand that there is so much story to fit into so few episodes that this change in Ross’s character does seem a bit rushed and is painted with such obvious and large brush strokes. His behaviour leaves much to be desired this week and we are surely beginning to become exasperated by his attitude. Ross doesn’t seem aware of the loyalty and devotion that is shown him by Demelza and sometimes we wonder if he actually deserves her love! It is good Demelza at least has one person to rely on. Thank goodness for loyal and supportive Prudie Paynter, Beatie Edney… and I never thought I say that!
Ross feels guilty that he encouraged Francis to sink his money in Wheal Grace Mine. It seems that the copper that Mark Daniel thought he saw whilst hiding underground is yet to be found and against all their hopes the Mine is proving to be a worthless hole in the ground! Ross decides to sell his last remaining shares in Wheal Leisure, his only source of income and concoct a plan whereby he can pass the money on to Elizabeth. His way of making amends this time?
Ross enlists the help of Mr Trencrom, Richard McCabe in the hope that his smuggling contacts can locate the whereabouts of Mark Daniel so that he can provide more details about what and where he thought there was ‘money in that there mine’! If there is money in Wheal Grace they need to find it and quickly before the debts have to be paid. Mr Trencrom agrees to help but there’s always a price and for this Ross must build a secret hideaway under the floor at Nampara to hide smuggled goods until they can safely be transported away. Ross is taking even more dangerous risks! Will this man never learn?
On a lighter note, Caroline Penvenen, Gabriella Wilde, she of the perfect lips and smile and now of age, has returned to the area. I think we all know why! She and Dwight Enys, Luke Norris are soon galloping around the countryside together that is when Dr Enys is not lopping off the legs of poor sailors whose dead bodies are washed upon the beach.
It appears that learning the basics of anatomy from such a grisly find does enable him to perform miracles on the twisted painful knee of Rosina Hoblyn, Amelia Clarkson, but that aside the burgeoning love story between Dwight and Caroline provides some lovely moments and the happiness they find in each other’s company contrasts markedly with the dispirited relationship developing between Ross and Demelza. The course of true love never does run smoothly and it is Ray Penvenen, John Nettles who tries to put a stop to this one between his niece and the young doctor. Feeling that Dr Enys is too lowly a person to be aspiring to a young heiress, he makes his feelings quite plain! However, Dr Enys is happy to remind him that Caroline is of age and will make her own mind up! Three cheers for Dr Enys! Boo to Ray Penvenen! Caroline, finding out that Ross Poldark is in financial difficulty decides to become a benefactor by taking on Ross’s debt (but it must be a secret… for now), first oranges for the impoverished and now this good deed for Ross Poldark makes me think that this young lady is more complex and altruistic than we were first led to believe. Were we wrong in thinking she was a self-centred young miss- doesn’t seem likely now does it?
It was such a satisfying scene when Ross and Demelza arrived at the Warleggan’s palatial pile not to grovel but to pay the debt in full! Cary Warleggan’s, Pip Torrens blustering response was wonderful to behold as he ranted and raged against the inevitable. George, in contrast, will do what he has learned to do best- carefully plot and plan to reap rewards for his patience.
We all know that he wants Elizabeth for himself and revenge on Ross for the slights and unresolved jealousies of the past. Having the one would accomplish the other! George is happy to allow Elizabeth to become disheartened by her impoverished state until he is ready to make his moves. He smirks and smarms his way into her good books, easing her debts, taking care of his Godson’s future education, sending gifts and wheedling his way into her mother’s good graces. He is manipulative, controlling and skiful like a spider spinning silks to catch his prey. Take care Elizabeth that you don’t get stuck fast in this Warleggan web he is creating to trap you! I am beginning to feel sorry for her. At least Aunt Agatha, Caroline Blakiston has the measure of devilish George, astutely suggesting Elizabeth should beware of his pitchfork and tail! Her facial expressions provide moments of humour throughout the whole episode… a wonderful character.
Finally Ross realises that he has been less than ‘attentive’ to his wife (I know an understatement!) and decides to show her he still cares for her- Oh Ross- about time! He brings her a Christmas gift- silky stockings! (Buying lingerie for one’s wife at Christmas- nothing changes much does it?) He isn’t always very good with relationships but he has his moments and this looks like it may be one of them! She unwraps them and allows him to put them on her- well who wouldn’t? Slowly caressing her and slipping his slim fingered hands up her silk-stockinged legs was a deliciously sensuous moment that I’m sure sent shivers running up and down many spines followed by soft sighs of delight! This scene little changed from Winston Graham’s book shows us that the author certainly understood how to create the perfect romantic and sexy moment and clearly sometimes less is more! ‘So you are not to be rid of me!’ Ross suggests. Trust me you do that more often, Ross and she’ll make sure you’re going no-where!
It was an exquisite way to remind us that despite all the troubles, uncertainties and dangers that may lie ahead there is still romance and a real relationship at the heart of this story. For now we leave Ross and Demelza in each other’s arms but so many different story threads have been spun in this episode and are yet waiting to be unravelled. For if I have learned one thing from scriptwriter Debbie Horsfield every character she writes has a definite role in moving the story forward and we are given hints or clues along the way to keep us hooked! Quite a few characters also have been dangled before us as possible informers and this smuggling storyline has yet to be resolved but looks to be possibly quite explosive! The unfolding story of Dr Enys’s skill in curing Rosina Hoblyn may have further implications and the relationships between, Ross, Demelza, Elizabeth and George, are fragile, portentous and still to be played out. I can’t wait! Once again clever writing and complex characters create a wonderful rollercoaster of drama and emotions that leaves the fans wanting more. This fan reviewer is torn with the dilemma of wanting to see the next episodes immediately but also never wanting this series ever to end because I’m thoroughly enjoying the ride!
Verdict
Poldark continues on Sunday nights on BBC1 at 9pm
 is back to share her thoughts on Sunday night’s episode...){kind=link}
I apologize if this is not ment for me. I apologize double fold because I broke the Poldark Society Rule. I said something political and I saw my words literally fly off the page. I knew that being a spoiler is not is not welcome but it only stands to
reason talking about the series to those who have not veiwed it yet is being very considerate. I hope you can believe me I never
thought about the political aspect. In few mew minutes Mark expressed that this had occured and he was not happy with that.
He nipped it in the bud to stop it. He then said we lost one our members because of it . I took this with due respect and bowed out. Thanks everyone I really miss expressing views. My only comment is that someone used that hate word hate and that was accepted. Much love and keep the series going.
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